'Rube Goldberg' PLCB Wine Vending Machine Boondoggle

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From the outset, the Independent State Store Union (the state-wide union representing 730 state store managers) has been a demonstrative critic of the "Rube Goldberg" wine vending machine initiative by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The announcement that these machines are being shut down indefinitely is further proof of the intentional, internal sabotage of the state store system.

On December 1, 2010, ISSU filed a Right to Know request under the law to obtain all incidences of wine vending machine malfunctions to include date, timeframe and location. On December 13, 2010, we received an extension notice from the Agency Open Records Officer indicating the request is under "legal review."

David Wanamaker, ISSU President says, "this is an overt, deliberate attempt to stonewall the effort to obtain information both to the public and the union. The contract with Simple Brands is public information. The rent for the space occupied by the vending machines is paid with public money. The Board, CEO and management team must be held accountable for the deliberate sabotage of the state store system."

Wanamaker continues, "information concerning the wine vending machine boondoggle warrants further investigation." The PLCB continues to ignore it's legislative mandate to promote and be an adjunct to a responsible alcohol policy that protects the common good while recognizing the rights of non-drinker and drinker alike.